James A. Roybal

JAMES ANTHONY ROYBAL, 52, of Santa Fe, passed away suddenly Tuesday, September 11, 2018. He was born June 20, 1966 in Las Cruces, NM, the son of Marie and Tito Roybal. He was preceded in death by a sister Margaret Gonzales; paternal grandparents, Emilio and Angelica Roybal; maternal grandparents, Juan and Guadalupita Maes; and many beloved uncles, aunts, and other relatives.
James is survived by his parents, Tito and Marie Roybal; his children, Shanae, Sarah, and Jacob Roybal; mother of his children, Monica Alvarez; his brother, Andrew Roybal (Nancy); nephews, Max (Krystle) Roybal and niece Aria, Dakota Gonzales, Josh and Justin Roybal, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends who he loved very much.
A man of great gentleness and kindness who loved sharing life’s moments with his family and life-long friends. James was a 1984 graduate of St. Michael’s High School where he wrestled for the Horsemen. Over the last 15 years, he thoroughly enjoyed welcoming and talking with all the people he met at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. He always had a warm smile and welcoming embrace for those he knew and did not know. James had a passion for cooking and everyone looked forward to his delicious meals, even though it took him many hours to finish. He always put others first, the friend who would give the shirt off his back, as well as a few nicknames. He loved to garden and would harvest the best vegetables for his family to enjoy, unless they got to them before him. James always made sure his family and friends were together to enjoy many laughs, NFL games, trips to the cabin, road trips to Colorado, memorable holiday gatherings and watching Impractical Jokers while eating Dion’s Pizza. Receiving pre-game pointers, hearing him cheering from the stands, enjoying family meals, his unconditional moral support and encouragement, loyalty to family, and the best hugs ever are only a few of the many things his kids and family will miss most.
Time is never stretched long enough with the ones we love most. It’s now our time to take all the fond memories of our Dad, son, brother, uncle and friend we hold dear to our hearts as we continue to spread that gracious kindness and generosity he never thought twice about sharing with all of us.
A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM Thursday, September 20, 2018 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Friday, September 21, 2018 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Rosario Cemetery. A celebration of James’ Life will be held at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center immediately following.
Pallbearers will include Jacob Roybal, Max Roybal, Dakota Gonzales, Josh Roybal, and Justin Roybal. Honorary Pallbearers include Greg Rodriguez, Jason Howley, Mike “Camel” Maes, Mark Miera, Dickie Martinez, Benito Herrera, Andres DeArguero, Melvin Roybal, Bobby Anaya “Crow”, Ronnie Trujillo, and many, many others.